Australia > The Great Ocean Road

Travel Specials > Destination Information > The Great Ocean Road, Australia

The two-lane Great Ocean Road runs between Melbourne and Adelaide and through Victoria along the southern coast of Australia, which is home to the famous Twelve Apostles. The road closely hugs some of the most dramatic coastal landscape in the world including steep coastal mountains and vast stretches of beach overlooking Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. The 243-kilometer stretch of road was built from 1919 to 1932 in honor of the servicemen killed in World War I.

Travel Options

There are several tour companies who specialize in taking tourists on the road with stops along the way including overnight accommodations and some meals.

Renting a car is a fabulous idea as it gives one complete freedom of when to stop, where and for how long. Being on your own schedule offers the opportunity to enjoy a particular part of the road where a tour may not stop. Be aware that there are speed cameras at intervals along the road!

Private guided tours are also available. It would be similar to traveling in your own car, but with a knowledgeable guide.

Highlights Along the Way

Whichever way you choose to experience the Great Ocean Road you will be blessed with highlights around every bend, beyond what the eyes can see.

• The Twelve Apostles: (Well, there used to be twelve of them!) Made of limestone, these rock formations are remnants of cliffs that have been washed away by the Southern Ocean over millions of years. These majestic ocean “statues” are a natural wonder and worth spending some time exploring just this area. Erosion continues to occur and one rock formation once named the London Bridge is now known as the London Arch as the “bridge” portion connecting it to land has fallen.
• Otways Waterfalls: The Otway Ranges stand behind Lorne and Apollo Bay offering some of Australia’s most amazing rainforest. Huge ferns, giant trees and massive boulders are surrounded by lush moss and delicate plant life. Waterfalls are everywhere in the Otways. Click to learn more: Otway Waterfalls. Self guided walks and canoe tours are available.
• Surfing: Whether you are a pro surfer or just getting started, the Great Ocean Road offers many breaks to get your board in the water. The most famous break is off Bells Beach about 160 miles south-west of Melbourne. Several surf schools are scattered along the coast that can get you set up with gear and a class that suits your skills. Body surfing is ideal in Apollo Bay at Lorne Beach and the surf gets more wild the further you head west.  
• Shipwreck Coast: The stretch of road between Moonlight Head and Port Fairy runs along some of the most treacherous coastline in all of Australia. Taking the life of more than 180 ships over the years, it has earned its name. This area is full of maritime history offering a great deal of information in particular at the Flagstaff Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. To help ships through this region, a lighthouse was built in 1848 on the point of Cape Otway. Tours are available.
• Natural Beauty: There is no lack of mother nature on this amazing road. Waterfalls, beaches, rainforest, rolling hills, breathtaking coastal views and much more offer an abundance of activities on your journey. National parks, wildlife ranging from kangaroos to glow worms and magical gardens will keep you busy for days. Offering camping (select parks), picnic areas and stunning views, stopping at one or several parks will make a nice addition to your trip.
  
   
• Parks Include:
• You Yangs Regional Park
• Brisbane Ranges National Park
• Great Otway National Park
• Port Campbell National Park
• Bay of Islands Coastal Park
• Tower Hill State Game Reserve
• Mount Eccles National Park
• Cape Nelson State Park
• Discovery Bay Coast Park
• Mount Richmond National Park
• Lower Glenelg National Park
• The Arches Marine Sanctuary
• Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
• Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary

Destinations Along the Way

As the road meanders along the coast and inland, you pass through several towns, ports, bays, and historical landmarks. Here is a sampling of what you may encounter.

• Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are at the real start (or end) of the Great Ocean Road just southwest of Melbourne. Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong is noted for its sophistication, cosmopolitan feel, wonderful eateries, beaches and wide array of recreational activities including golf, surfing and fishing.
• Apollo Bay is located seaside and home of the Otway Ranges. Relax here for the day or more strolling beaches, wandering the Otway’s or getting your surf on.
• Port Campbell is home to a very picturesque national park. Get your camera ready for sheer limestone cliffs, rock stacks, arches, blowholes and gorges. This is one of the most sought after areas to visit as it’s also home to the Twelve Apostles, London Arch and Loch Ard Gorge.
• Port Fairy is a quaint seaside fishing town along the road and is full of maritime heritage including museums and fishing wharves.
• Robe is a cute town sprinkled with limestone cottages and is a great place for sail boarding and surfing.
• Adelaide is the unofficial end (or start) of the Great Ocean Road as most tours either leave from or end in this town. The capital city of South Australia, Adelaide provides a plethora of activities to do. The wine country of Barossa Valley is a great day trip or strolling through town shopping and eating is a delight as well. 

Touring the Great Ocean Road is a highlight of Australia and a wonderful way to spend a few of your days downunder. We offer a self-drive tour of the Great Ocean Road where you spend 6 days on the road and it includes your accommodations. Follow this link: The Great Ocean Road Tour.